A forerunner in the production of French organic beet sugar, the Tereos cooperative group is extending its range with the production of organic beet alcohol, which has just been awarded Cosmos certification for the first time in France.
Produced in November 2020 at the Tereos sugar-distillery in Artenay (Loiret), this alcohol is derived from organic beet processed at the Attin sugar refinery (Pas-de-Calais). This first French production of organic alcohol opens up new development opportunities for Tereos customers in the perfume and cosmetics sectors.
This organic alcohol production is part of a more global strategy to develop organic activity within Tereos. After a successful first campaign in 2019, Tereos has increased the area sown with organic beet in 2020 from 200 to 500 hectares. The number of partner farmers has doubled, with over 60 committed growers.
Artenay, at the heart of Cosmetic Valley
The Artenay site is strategically located at the heart of the Centre Val-de-Loire region's "Cosmetic Valley", 1er global resource center for cosmetics and fragrances.
A flagship industrial activity, this regional sector boasts the world's leading players, representing over 150 establishments and 10,800 jobs, including nearly 80 % in Eure-et-Loir and Loiret.
The organic market: steady growth
In recent years, the organic sector has enjoyed steady, sustained growth. Consumption of organic non-food products is now a must for the vast majority of French people.
In the organic non-food market, organic cosmetics and personal care products have seen the strongest sales growth, up 16 points in two years (Source: Agence Bio February 2020).
Photo: Tereos sugar-distillery in Artenay (Loiret) Michel Blossier for Tereos
